Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced a new wave of funding for a long-standing initiative aimed at keeping the county’s youngest drivers safe.
Lisa Townsend has committed to spending more than £100,000 on Safe Drive Stay Alive until 2025. She announced the news during charity Brake’s Road Safety Week, which began yesterday and continues until November 20.
Lisa recently attended the first live performance of Safe Drive Stay Alive at Dorking Halls in three years.
The performance, which has been viewed by more than 190,000 teens aged between 16 and 19 since 2005, highlights the dangers of drink- and drug-driving, speeding, and looking at a mobile phone while at the wheel.
Young audiences hear from frontline personnel serving with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the South Central Ambulance Service, as well as those who have lost loved ones and drivers who have been involved in fatal road traffic collisions.
Newer drivers are at higher risk of injury and death on the roads. Safe Drive Stay Alive, which is coordinated by the fire service, is designed to reduce the number of collisions involving young motorists.
Lisa said: “My office has been supporting Safe Drive Stay Alive for more than 10 years. The initiative aims to save the lives of young drivers, as well as anyone they may come across on the roads, with a series of incredibly powerful performances.
“I witnessed the first live show, and I feel deeply moved by it.
“It’s absolutely crucial that the scheme can continue for many years to come, and ensuring safer roads in Surrey is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. That’s why I’ve agreed to a £105,000 grant that will ensure teenagers are able to travel to Dorking Halls to see the performance for themselves.
“I’m really proud to be able to support something so important, and I believe Safe Drive Stay Alive will save many more lives in the future.”
Over the past 17 years, almost 300 Safe Drive Stay Alive performances have taken place. This year, 70 different schools, colleges, youth groups and Army recruits have attended in person for the first time since 2019. An estimated 28,000 young people watched the event online during Covid lockdowns.